BANGKOK, Thailand — In a dramatic conclusion to a rapid 48-hour manhunt, Thai authorities intercepted 45-year-old Australian suspect Simon Carman at Suvarnabhumi International Airport just minutes before his Jetstar flight was scheduled to depart for Perth.

Carman was arrested while attempting to board the plane, effectively stopping him from leaving the country. He was taken into custody and has since been charged with murder in the death of 17-year-old Thai girl Thanchanok Donhomlao, whose body was found stuffed inside a suitcase near Pattaya railway tracks.

Photos from the arrest show Carman being escorted by police, with a blue shirt in hand, as well as the black suitcase believed to have been used in the crime laid out as evidence.

The swift action by Thai police, aided by CCTV footage and immigration checks, prevented the suspect from fleeing. Investigators noted visible scratch marks on Carman’s neck and arms when he was detained.

This high-profile case has drawn international attention, highlighting the efficiency of Thai law enforcement in cross-border investigations. Carman remains in custody as the case proceeds through the Thai justice system.

The family of the victim continues to grieve as the investigation into this tragic crime unfolds.